Franklin signs, says he's eligible for OTAs, minicamp

May 10, 2013

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Written by

Pete Dougherty and Wes Hodkiewicz

Running back Johnathan Franklin graduated from UCLA last June, so he's eligible to take part in the Green Bay Packers' OTAs and minicamp. File/Getty Images

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The agent for fourth-round draft pick Johnathan Franklin said his client has signed with the Green Bay Packers.

Agent Kenny Zuckerman provided no details, but draft picks have to sign four-year contracts, and with the salary cap essentially remaining flat from last season, rookie contracts will also.

Last year, the player drafted in the same spot as Franklin, No. 125 overall, was Ronnell Lewis of Detroit. His four-year contract was worth $2.497 million and included a $397,000 signing bonus.

Franklin is expected to receive about the same deal, with perhaps a slight increase that could put his just over $2.5 million over the four years.

As his deal was getting finalized, Franklin was taking part in the first day of the team’s rookie orientation with no plans of leaving anytime soon.

That news comes as a slight surprise after reports circulated this past week that Franklin wouldn’t be eligible to take part in the rest of the offseason program due to UCLA’s late exam schedule, which was set to conclude on June 14.

However, Franklin refuted that notion on Friday, saying that graduated with his degree in political science last June, and like fellow Bruins’ teammate Datone Jones, will be eligible to take part in the team’s upcoming organized team activities and minicamps.

"That's the plan. I brought all my clothes. I better be here for good,” said Franklin with a laugh.